Site Location

Crossing 50152 is located on a tributary to Lizard Creek, approximately 140m upstream from the confluence with Lizard Creek and within Mt.Fernie provincial Park. This culvert has also been recorded in PSCIS as crossing 62521. The culvert is located on a paved section of Mt.Fernie Park Road (0.3km mark) and is accessed from Highway 3 within Fernie city limits. The Mt.Fernie Provincial Park is a popular recreational destination for hikers, sightseers and mountain bikers. Island Lake Lodge is located at 1400m of elevation near Island Lake and is a year round tourist destination providing accommodations, guided hiking and backcountry catskiing in the Lizard Creek watershed.

Background

The subject culvert appears to have been recently replaced with a new structure. No fisheries information was available for the stream although Lizard Creek supports westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout, longnose sucker and longnose dace downstream (MoE 2020d, 2020b). Elk River Alliance (2020b) conducted redd surveys in Lizard Creek in 2019 along with Morrissey Creek, Coal Creek and Forsyth Creek. A total of 55 redds were observed within a 2.4km section of Lizard Creek comprising the largest densities of redds of the four tributaries surveyed (22.9 redds/km).

PSCIS stream crossing 50152 was ranked as a high priority for follow up with habitat confirmation due to the large size of the stream recorded in PSCIS (channel width = 2.4m) relative to other tributary streams in the Lizard Creek watershed and because it was rated as containing high value habitat by VAST Resource Solutions Inc. (2013) and Grainger (2011). There is a bridge located on the Lazy Lizard recreation trail approximately 150m upstream of the crossing and an unassessed modelled crossing (ID 4600926) approximately 2100m upstream which could not be accessed due to a road closure. The habitat confirmation was completed on October 16, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082G.113.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

As noted, the culvert located at PSCIS 50152 appeared to have been replaced in 2020 with fresh rock, road fill and pavement present. At the time of the survey, the un-embedded and non-backwatered 0.9m diameter crossing was considered a barrier to upstream fish passage with a pipe length of 30m, a culvert slope of 1.5%, a stream width ratio of 2.9 and an outlet drop of 0.9m (Table 5.1). Water temperature was 5\(^\circ\)C, pH was 8.5 and conductivity was 286uS/cm.

Stream Characteristics Downstream

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 140m to Lizard Creek. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with undercut banks dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.2, Figure 5.1). The average channel width was 2.7m, the average wetted width was 2.1m and the average gradient was 4%. The dominant substrate was cobbles with gravels subdominant. Downstream of the crossing, numerous fry were observed, there were frequent sections of gravels suitable for salmonid spawning and there were no barriers or obstacles to fish passage. Habitat was rated as high value for fry/juvenile salmonid rearing.

Stream Characteristics Upstream

The stream was surveyed upstream from the culvert for 675m. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with undercut banks dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, deep pools, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.2, Figure 5.2). The average channel width was 2.6m, the average wetted width was 2m and the average gradient was 3%. There were numerous fry observed throughout the area surveyed and abundant gravels suitable for resident westslope cutthrout trout spawning were noted. Habitat value was rated as high for salmonid rearing and spawning.

Structure Remediation and Cost Estimate

Structure replacement with an open bottomed structure is recommended to provide access to the habitat located upstream of PSCIS crossing 50152. The cost of the work is estimated at $438000 for a cost benefit of $6200/linear m and $8000/m².

Conclusion

There is 2.7km of mainstem habitat in Stove Creek upstream of crossing 50152 with habitat rated as high value for fry and juvenile salmonid rearing. Of the four streams surveyed with habitat confirmations in the Lizard Creek drainage during this project, Stove Creek contained the highest value habitat. The large outlet drop (0.9m) on the newly installed culvert prevents upstream migration by all species and life stages. This paved section of road is within Mt.Fernie Provincial Park. The crossing was ranked as a high priority for proceeding to design for replacement.

Table 5.1: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 50152.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-10-16	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	50152	Diameter (m)	0.9
External ID	NA	Length (m)	30
Crew	AI, MF	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	637987	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5483407	Backwatered	No
Stream	Tributary to Lizard Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Mt.Fernie Park Rd	Fill Depth (m)	5.5
Road Tenure	NA	Outlet Drop (m)	0.9
Channel Width (m)	2.6	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	0.4
Stream Slope (%)	3	Inlet Drop	No
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	1.5
Habitat Value	High	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.1: Typical habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 50152.

Figure 5.2: Typical habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 50152.

Site Location

Crossing 50155 is located on a tributary to Lizard Creek, approximately 75m upstream from the confluence with Lizard Creek. The stream is located approximately 100m east of the location where it is mapped on the freshwater atlas stream layer. The culvert is located at km 3.6 of Island Lake Lodge Road which is an extension of Mt.Fernie Park Road with access from Highway 3 located within Fernie city limits. The area is a popular recreational destination for hikers and mountain bikers. Island Lake Lodge is a year round tourist destination in the Lizard Creek watershed providing accommodations, guided hiking and backcountry catskiing for clients.

Background

At the crossing location, the stream is 2nd order with a watershed area upstream of the road of approximately 1.8km². The elevation of the watershed ranges from a maximum of 1945m to 1080m at the culvert. One 12m long bridge (PSCIS 197543) is located upstream of the subject crossing approximately 575m on the Lazy Lizard bike trail and another 7m long bridge structure is located downstream also on a recreational trail. A search of provincial records yielded no fisheries information for the stream (MoE 2020d). Downstream, Lizard Creek supports westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout, longnose sucker and longnose dace (MoE 2020b). Elk River Alliance (2020b) conducted redd surveys in Lizard Creek in 2019 along with Morrissey Creek, Coal Creek and Forsyth Creek. A total of 55 redds were observed within a 2.4km section of Lizard Creek comprising the largest densities of redds of the four tributaries surveyed (22.9 redds/km).

PSCIS stream crossing 50155 was ranked as a high priority for follow up with habitat confirmation due to the large size of the stream relative to other tributary streams in the watershed, the previously rated high value habitat and because it was prioritized for follow up by VAST Resource Solutions Inc. (2013). The habitat confirmation was completed on September 22, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082G.113.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

At the time of the survey, the un-embedded and non-backwatered 0.9m diameter crossing was considered a barrier to upstream fish passage with a pipe length of 11m, a culvert slope of 2.6%, a stream width ratio of 2.5 an outlet drop of 0.22m (Table 5.3). Water temperature was 9\(^\circ\)C, pH was 7.7 and conductivity was 480uS/cm.

Stream Characteristics Downstream

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 100m to Lizard Creek. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with undercut banks dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.8, Figure 5.4). The average channel width was 2.2m, the average wetted width was 1.9m and the average gradient was 4.3%. Habitat value was rated as medium with good potential for fry/juvenile salmonid rearing but a lack of deep pools for adult overwintering and rearing.

Stream Characteristics Upstream

The stream was surveyed upstream from the culvert for 700m. Overall, total cover amount was rated as abundant with deep pools dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, boulders, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.8, Figure 5.5). The average channel width was 2.2m, the average wetted width was 1.6m and the average gradient was 10.5%. Frequent areas of gravels suitable for resident westslope cutthrout trout spawning and pools to 40cm deep associated with small and large woody debris were present throughout areas surveyed. Habitat value was rated as high for fry and juvenile westslope cutthrout rearing.

Fish Sampling

To assess potential impacts of the culvert on fish densities in the stream we electrofished upstream and downstream of the crossing. Three sites were sampled upstream and one site was sampled downstream. A total of 42 westslope cutthrout trout and 4 eastern brook trout were captured upstream with 28 westslope cutthrout trout and 2 eastern brook trout captured downstream. Raw results are included in digital format as Attachment 2 and summarized in Tables 5.5 - 5.6 and Figure 5.3.

Structure Remediation and Cost Estimate

Structure replacement with an open bottomed culvert is recommended to provide unconstained access to the habitat located upstream of PSCIS crossing 50155. The cost for work is estimated at $125000 for a cost benefit of $14400/linear m and $16200/m².

Conclusion

There is an estimated 1.8km of mainstem habitat upstream of crossing 50155 with habitat in the areas surveyed rated as high value for fry and juvenile salmonid rearing. Although potentially attributable to lower gradient habitat and closer proximity to the Lizard Creek mainstem, fish sampling results demonstrated that westslope cutthrout trout fry densities were lower upstream of the crossing than below. The road may be permitted to Island Lake Lodge or solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development. The crossing was ranked as a moderate priority for proceeding to design for replacement with an open bottomed structure.

Table 5.3: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 50155.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-09-22	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	50155	Diameter (m)	0.9
External ID	NA	Length (m)	11
Crew	KP, AI	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	635113	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5484261	Backwatered	No
Stream	Tributary to Lizard Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Island Lake Lodge Road	Fill Depth (m)	0.3
Road Tenure	MoTi recreation	Outlet Drop (m)	0.22
Channel Width (m)	2.25	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	0.45
Stream Slope (%)	4.3	Inlet Drop	Yes
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	2.6
Habitat Value	Medium	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.3: Fish densities (fish/100m2) for PSCIS crossing 50155.

Figure 5.4: Typical habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 50155.

Figure 5.5: Typical habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 50155.

Site Location

Crossing 50159 is located on a tributary to Lizard Creek, approximately 150m upstream from the confluence with Lizard Creek. This crossing has also been recorded in PSCIS as crossing 62510. The culvert is located at approximately 5.5km up Island Lake Lodge Road which is an extension of Mt.Fernie Park Road. The area is accessed off of Highway 3 within Fernie city limits and is a popular recreational destination for hikers, skiers and mountain bikers. Island Lake Lodge is located at 1400m of elevation near Island Lake and is a year round tourist destination providing accommodations, guided hiking and backcountry catskiing for clients. The subject stream is not mapped in the freshwater atlas stream layer and may have been diverted as part of a micro-hydro facilty for Island Lake Lodge. A small building that may be a generating station was observed on aerial imagery approximately 1500m upstream of the road.

Background

At the crossing location, the stream had good flow and is located within an area of old growth cedar adjacent to a recreation trail. At the time of the survey the stream was the highest volume tributary to Lizard Creek located on the east side of the valley. No fisheries information was available for the stream (MoE 2020d), however, Lizard Creek supports westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout, longnose sucker and longnose dace (MoE 2020b). Elk River Alliance (2020b) conducted redd surveys in Lizard Creek in 2019 along with Morrissey Creek, Coal Creek and Forsyth Creek. A total of 55 redds were observed within a 2.4km section of Lizard Creek comprising the largest densities of redds of the four tributaries surveyed (22.9 redds/km).

PSCIS stream crossing 50159 was ranked as a high priority for follow up with habitat confirmation due to the relatively large size of the stream recorded in PSCIS (channel width = 3.5m) relative to other tributary streams in the Lizard Creek watershed and because it was rated as containing high value habitat by VAST Resource Solutions Inc. (2013) and Grainger (2011). The habitat confirmation was completed on September 22, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082G.113.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

At the time of the survey, the un-embedded and non-backwatered 0.8m diameter crossing was considered a barrier to upstream fish passage with a pipe length of 12m, a culvert slope of 8%, a stream width ratio of 3.1 and an outlet drop of 1.6m (Table 5.7). Water temperature was 10\(^\circ\)C, pH was 7.6 and conductivity was 729uS/cm.

Stream Characteristics Downstream

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 150m to Lizard Creek. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with large woody debris dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, deep pools, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.4, Figure 5.4). The average channel width was 2.5m, the average wetted width was 2.3m and the average gradient was 8.8%. The dominant substrate was gravels with cobbles subdominant. Some small pools and steps of 0.2 - 0.6m in height were present throughout the area surveyed. Large woody debris steps ranging from 0.4 - 0.8m high were spaced sporadically throughout area surveyed. The stream contained relatively flatter sections from 3 - 8% and steeper sections of 15 - 18% for first 350m above culvert (UTM: 11 U 632810 5484842) where the stream becomes too steep for upstream salmonid passage (35%). Habitat value was rated as moderate for salmonid fry/juvenile rearing and high value habitat for spawning.

Stream Characteristics Upstream

The stream was surveyed upstream from the culvert for 400m. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with undercut banks dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, and deep pools (Table 5.4, Figure 5.5). The average channel width was 3m, the average wetted width was 2.6m and the average gradient was 11.2%. There were abundant gravels suitable for resident and fluvial westslope cutthrout trout spawning. Frequent pools to 40cm deep were present and associated with small and large woody debris. Habitat was rated as high value for salmonid rearing and spawning.

Structure Remediation and Cost Estimate

Structure replacement with a bridge is recommended to provide access to the habitat located upstream of PSCIS crossing 50159. The cost for the work is estimated at $125000 for a cost benefit of $2800/linear m and $3400/m².

Conclusion

There is 0.3km of habitat upstream of crossing 50159 within old growth cedar riparian forest before the stream becomes too steep for upstream fish migration (>20%). The habitat upstream of the crossing was rated as high value for salmonid rearing and spawning with good flows, large woody debris throughout and abundant gravels suitable for spawning. The subject stream is not mapped in the freshwater atlas stream layer and may have been diverted from upstream flows as part of a micro-hydro facilty for Island Lake Lodge. The road may be permitted to Island Lake Lodge or solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development. The crossing was ranked as a moderate priority for proceeding to design for replacement with an open bottomed structure. Elecrofishing upstream and downstream of the crossing is recommended to determine utilization of habitat before and after restorative measures.

Table 5.7: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 50159.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-09-22	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	50159	Diameter (m)	0.8
External ID	NA	Length (m)	12
Crew	KP, AI	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	633320	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5484601	Backwatered	No
Stream	Tributary to Lizard Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Island Lake Lodge Road	Fill Depth (m)	1
Road Tenure	MoTi recreation	Outlet Drop (m)	1.6
Channel Width (m)	2.45	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	0
Stream Slope (%)	9	Inlet Drop	Yes
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	8
Habitat Value	Medium	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.6: Typical habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 50159.

Figure 5.7: Typical habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 50159.

Site Location

Crossing 50181 is located on a tributary to Morrissey Creek, approximately 200m upstream from the confluence with a tributary to Morrissey Creek. The crossing is located on Lodgepole FSR just south of Morrissey approximately 15km south of Fernie. Lodgepole FSR is a gravel forest tenure road with active log hauling at the time of the survey. This crossing is on a stream that flows into the Morrissey Creek tributary approximately 2.7km upstream of where PSCIS crossing 50185 on River Road was also surveyed with a habitat confirmation assessment (Appendix - Crossing 50185).

Background

At the crossing location, the stream is third order with a watershed area upstream of the road of approximately 3.4 km². The elevation of the watershed ranges from a maximum of 2100 to 1200m at the culvert. Upstream of the crossing, although there are four fords documented in PSCIS there are no other road-stream crossing barriers. No fisheries information was available for the stream (MoE 2020d) however westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout, longnose sucker and longnose dace have been recorded downstream in Morrissey Creek (MoE 2020b). Elk River Alliance (2020b) conducted redd surveys in Morrissey Creek in 2019 with a total of 7 redds observed within a 3.6km of stream surveyed.

PSCIS stream crossing 50181 was ranked as a high priority for follow up with habitat confirmation due to the relatively large channel width (3.7m) and the previously rated high value habitat reported in PSCIS from Grainger (2011). The habitat confirmation was completed on October 15, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082G.108.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

At the time of the survey, the un-embedded and non-backwatered 1.2m diameter crossing was considered a barrier to upstream fish passage with a pipe length of 30m, a culvert slope of 7%, a stream width ratio of 2.2 and an outlet drop of 0.95m (Table 5.9). Water temperature was 4\(^\circ\)C, pH was 8.4 and conductivity was 292uS/cm.

Stream Characteristics Downstream

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 200m to the confluence with the downstream channel. The mouth of the stream is located approximately 100m east of where it is mapped on the freshwater atlas stream layer. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with large woody debris dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, boulders, undercut banks, deep pools, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.10, Figure 5.9). The average channel width was 4m, the average wetted width was 2.2m and the average gradient was 8%. The dominant substrate was boulders with cobbles subdominant. Intermittent smaller pools and pockets of gravels suitably sized for resident salmonid spawning were present. Habitat was rated as medium value for fry/juvenile salmonid rearing.

Stream Characteristics Upstream

The stream was surveyed upstream from the culvert for 515m. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with boulders dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.10, Figure 5.10). The average channel width was 2.9m, the average wetted width was 2.2m and the average gradient was 12.4%. The dominant substrate was cobbles with boulders subdominant. Good flows were present and some pockets of gravels suitable for spawning were observed throughout. There were steps ranging from 0.5 - 0.8m due to large woody debris jams but no permanent migration barriers were observed until a cascade at the top end of the survey area (24% for >50m). Habitat was rated as medium value for fry and juvenile westslope cutthrout trout rearing.

Fish Sampling

To confirm fish presence and assess potential impacts of the culvert on fish densities in the stream, electrofishing was conducted upstream and downstream of the crossing. One site was sampled downstream and one site was sampled upstream. A total of 6 westslope cutthrout trout were captured upstream and 15 were captured downstream (Figure 5.11). Raw results are included in digital format as Attachment 2 and summarized in Tables 5.11 - 5.12 and Figure 5.8.

Structure Remediation and Cost Estimate

Structure replacement with an open bottomed structure is recommended to provide access to the habitat located upstream of PSCIS crossing 50181. The cost of the work is estimated at $125000 for a cost benefit of $4100/linear m and $5400/m².

Conclusion

There is an estimated 0.5km of mainstem habitat upstream of crossing 50181 with habitat in the areas surveyed upstream of the crossing rated as medium value for fry and juvenile salmonid rearing. Density of westslope cutthrout trout parr was higher in the site sampled downstream of the crossing when compared to the upstream site with fry, juvenile and adult fish captured downstren only. The Lodgepole FSR is under tenure of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development. The crossing was ranked as a high priority for proceeding to design for replacement with an open bottomed structure and consideration of remediation of PSCIS 50185 (Appendix - Crossing 50185) should be considered at the same time for maximum potential benefits.

Table 5.9: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 50181.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-10-15	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	50181	Diameter (m)	1.2
External ID	NA	Length (m)	30
Crew	MF, AI	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	648276	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5468176	Backwatered	No
Stream	Tributary to Morrissey Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Lodgepole FSR	Fill Depth (m)	3
Road Tenure	NA	Outlet Drop (m)	0.95
Channel Width (m)	2.6	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	0.18
Stream Slope (%)	7	Inlet Drop	No
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	7
Habitat Value	Medium	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.8: Fish densities (fish/100m2) for PSCIS crossing 50181.

Figure 5.9: Typical habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 50181.

Figure 5.10: Typical habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 50181.

Figure 5.11: Westslope cutthrout trout captured upstream of PSCIS crossing 50181.

Site Location

Crossing 50185 is located on a tributary to Morrisey Creek, approximately 255m upstream from the confluence with Morrisey Creek. The crossing is located at km 14.5 on River Road just south of Morrissey approximately 15km south of Fernie. The road is accessed off of Lodgepole FSR via the Morrissey Bridge over the Elk River adjacent to Highway 3. River Road is a gravel forest tenure road (forest file id 5466 with active log hauling at the time of the survey. PSCIS crossing 50181 on an upstream tributary located approximately 2.7km upstream was also surveyed with a habitat confirmation assessment (Appendix - Crossing 50181).

Background

At the crossing location, the stream is 4th order with a watershed area upstream of the road of approximately 12km². The elevation of the watershed ranges from a maximum of 2000 to 970m at the culvert. Upstream of the crossing, there are no anthropogenic barriers on the mainstem however PSCIS crossing 50181 (also recorded as PSCIS 103033) is documented as a barrier located on a significantly sized tributary entering the stream from the north-east approximately 2.8km upstream of River Road. A wetland type area is mapped at the top of the watershed (area NAha). No fisheries information was available for the stream (MoE 2020d) however westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout, longnose sucker and longnose dace have been recorded downstream in Morrissey Creek (MoE 2020b). Elk River Alliance (2020b) conducted redd surveys in Morrissey Creek in 2019 with a total of 7 redds observed within a 3.6km of stream surveyed.

PSCIS stream crossing 50185 was ranked as a high priority for follow up with habitat confirmation due to the large size of the stream relative to other tributary streams in the watershed, the moderate value habitat rating by VAST Resource Solutions Inc. (2013) and because VAST Resource Solutions Inc. (2013) noted that the culvert was a good candidate for RPBio assessment. The habitat confirmation was completed on September 21, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082G.108.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

At the time of the survey, the un-embedded and non-backwatered 2.2m diameter crossing was considered a barrier to upstream fish passage with a pipe length of 17m, a culvert slope of 3.4%, a stream width ratio of 2 and an outlet drop of 0m (Table 5.13). Water temperature was 9\(^\circ\)C, pH was 7.6 and conductivity was 378uS/cm. It appeared as though fish passage restoration works had taken place at the site historically as there were what appeared to be boulder riffle structures installed downstream of the crossing. The structures appeared to be effective at reducing the outlet drop size but had created a rock drop (0.4m) and were not resulting in backwatering of the culvert.

Stream Characteristics Downstream

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 255m to the confluence with Morrisey Creek. The mouth of the stream is located approximately 500m upstream from the confluence of Morrissey Creek and the Elk River. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with small woody debris dominant. Cover was also present as large woody debris, undercut banks, deep pools, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.14, Figure 5.13). The average channel width was 4.3m, the average wetted width was 2.7m and the average gradient was 4.2%. The dominant substrate was cobbles with gravels subdominant. There were frequent pools formed by small and large woody debris ranging from 0.3 - 0.75m in depth (average residual depth = 0.4m). Pockets of small gravels suitable for resident salmonid spawning were also present. Habitat value was rated as high with good potential for fry/juvenile salmonid rearing.

Stream Characteristics Upstream

The stream was surveyed upstream from the culvert for 740m. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with small woody debris dominant. Cover was also present as large woody debris, undercut banks, deep pools, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.14, Figure 5.14). The average channel width was 4m, the average wetted width was 2.8m and the average gradient was 6.2%. The dominant substrate was cobbles with gravels subdominant. The stream had good flows with fry observed throughout the area surveyed. Pools to 0.6m deep were present with pockets of gravel suitable for salmonid spawning throughout. Infrequent large woody debris jams to 0.5m high were also observed. Habitat value was rated as high for fry and juvenile westslope cutthrout trout rearing.

Fish Sampling

To assess potential impacts of the culvert on fish densities in the stream electrofishing was conducted upstream and downstream of the crossing. Five sites were sampled downstream and five sites were sampled upstream. A total of 37 westslope cutthrout trout and 22 eastern brook trout were captured upstream with 26 westslope cutthrout trout and 3 eastern brook trout captured downstream (Figure 5.15). Raw results are included in digital format as Attachment 2 and summarized in Tables 5.15 - 5.16 and Figure 5.12.

Structure Remediation and Cost Estimate

Structure replacement with an open bottomed structure is recommended to provide access to the habitat located upstream of PSCIS crossing 50185. The cost of the work is estimated at $125000 for a cost benefit of $36000/linear m and $77400/m².

Conclusion

There is an estimated 4.5km of mainstem habitat upstream of crossing 50185 with habitat in the areas surveyed upstream of the crossing rated as high value for fry and juvenile salmonid rearing. Fish sampling indicated generally higher densities of fry, parr and juvenile westslope cutthrout trout downstream when compared to upstream. River Road is under tenure of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development. The crossing was ranked as a moderate priority for proceeding to design for replacement with an open bottomed structure.

Table 5.13: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 50185.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-09-21	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	50185	Diameter (m)	2.2
External ID	NA	Length (m)	17
Crew	KP, AI	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	645683	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5469025	Backwatered	No
Stream	Tributary to Morrisey Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	River Rd	Fill Depth (m)	1.4
Road Tenure	FLNR 5466	Outlet Drop (m)	0
Channel Width (m)	4.3	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	0
Stream Slope (%)	4.3	Inlet Drop	No
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	3.4
Habitat Value	High	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.12: Fish densities (fish/100m2) for PSCIS crossing 50185.

Figure 5.13: Typical habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 50185.

Figure 5.14: Typical habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 50185.

Figure 5.15: Westslope cutthrout trout captured upstream of PSCIS crossing 50185.

Site Location

Crossing 50261 is located on a tributary to Michel Creek, approximately 210m upstream from the confluence with the Michel Creek. The crossing is located at 7.6km on the Flathead FSR accessed from Coal Mountain.

Background

At the crossing location, the stream is third order with a watershed area upstream of the road of approximately 5.4 km². The elevation of the watershed ranges from a maximum of 2600 to 1700m at the culvert. There is one crossing modelled downstream of PCSIS 50261 (4600837) and one modelled above (4602097). There was no fisheries information available for the watershed (MoE 2020d, 2020b).

PSCIS stream crossing 50261 was ranked as a moderate priority for follow up with habitat confirmation due to the relatively large amount of potential habitat modelled as suitable for westslope cutthrout trout occupancy (<20% for ~3km) located upstream and a medium habitat value ranking by Grainger (2011). The habitat confirmation was completed on October 17, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082G.114.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

At the time of the survey, the three un-embedded and non-backwatered 2.7m diameter crossings were considered a barrier to upstream fish passage with a pipe lengths of 19m, culvert slopes of 12%, a stream width ratio of 1.7 and outlet drops of 1.8m (Table 5.17). Water temperature was 1\(^\circ\)C, pH was 8.5 and conductivity was 320uS/cm.

Stream Characteristics Downstream

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 210m. Overall total cover amount was rated as moderate with boulders dominant. Cover was also present as large woody debris, undercut banks, deep pools, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.18, Figure 5.16). The average channel width was 4.4m, the average wetted width was 2.5m and the average gradient was 15%. The dominant substrate was boulders with cobbles subdominant. Some intermittedt pools were present with occasional pockets of gravel suitable for spawning. A 4.4m high chute was located 200m downstream of crossing (UTM: 11U 668858 5481210) and is considered a permanent impassable barrier to upstream migration (Figure 5.17.

Stream Characteristics Upstream

The stream was surveyed immediately upstream from the culvert for 210m. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with deep pools dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, boulders, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.18, Figure 5.18). The average channel width was 5.2m, the average wetted width was 3.6m and the average gradient was 12%. The dominant substrate was large rock/bedrock with boulders subdominant. Overall, habitat was rated as medium value. There were multiple natural barriers to upstream fish passage within the area surveyed that were considered too steep for upstream migration by any species.

Conclusion

The chute located 200m downstream of PSCIS 50261 is an impassable barrier to upstream migration and negates the value in restoring passage at the crossing. It is recommended that the crossing not proceed to design for remeiation of fish passage at the site.

Table 5.17: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 50261.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-10-17	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	50261	Diameter (m)	2.7
External ID	NA	Length (m)	19
Crew	AI, MF	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	669027	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5481115	Backwatered	No
Stream	Tributary to Michel Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Flathead FSR	Fill Depth (m)	3
Road Tenure	NA	Outlet Drop (m)	1.8
Channel Width (m)	4.6	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	0
Stream Slope (%)	12	Inlet Drop	Yes
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	12
Habitat Value	Low	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.16: Habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 50261.

Figure 5.17: Chute barrier located 200 downstream of PSCIS crossing 50261.

Figure 5.18: Habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 50261.

Site Location

Crossing 62423 is located on Harriet Lake Creek, approximately 30m upstream from the confluence with Grave Creek and accessed from Grave Creek Forest Service Road. Although the freshwater atlas stream layer mapping incorrectly indicates the subject stream is the mainstem of Grave Creek it is actually a small drainage that joins Harriet Lake Creek which flows primarily from the 6ha Harriet Lake located to the north at an elevation of 2100m approximately 4km upstream of the crossing.

Background

Harriet Lake was stocked with “wild” westslope cutthrout trout five times between 1985 and 2002 (MoE 2020a). Downstream, Grave Creek is known to contain westslope cutthrout trout, rainbow trout and bull trout (MoE 2020b). Two habitat confirmation assessments were conducted downstream on the mainstem of Grave Creek in 2014 at PSCIS crossings 62421 and 62422 (Masse Environmental Consultants Ltd. 2015). Although Heather Lamson - MoE Fisheries Biologist recommended the culverts not be removed to prevent potential hybridization of westslope cutthrout trout with stocked rainbow trout downstream (Masse Environmental Consultants Ltd. 2015), both structures had been replaced with bridges at the time of the surveys. Designs and remediations of these crossings were not recorded in PSCIS. Reassessments of these crossings were conducted by our team in 2020 and results will be loaded to PSCIS. In the field, Lotic Environmental Ltd. field teams were observed conducting two-pass closed site electrofishing in Grave Creek as part of a westslope cutthrout trout population assessment and aquatic monitoring program. Data from the program is uploaded to the Fisheries Information Summary System annually and is made available through the BC Data Catalog (MoE 2020b, 2020d).

Although the modelling of potential habitat upstream of this crossing was considered not accurate due to the incorrect mapping of Grave Creek, during field work planning, PSCIS stream crossing 62423 was ranked as a high priority for follow up with habitat confirmation due to the large size of the modelled stream network upstream (20km) and because it was located on a stream with habitat rated as moderate value by VAST Resource Solutions Inc. (2013). A bridge (PSCIS 62413) is located approximately 1km upstream of the crossing. The habitat confirmation was completed on September 20, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082G.124.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

At the time of the survey, the un-embedded and non-backwatered 0.9m diameter crossing was considered a barrier to upstream fish passage with a pipe length of 12m, a culvert slope of 0.5%, a stream width ratio of 1.6 and an outlet drop of 0.18m (Table 5.19). The stream was dry at the crossing location at the time of the survey.

Stream Characteristics Downstream

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 30m to Grave Creek. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with overhanging vegetation dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris and boulders (Table 5.20, Figure 5.20). The average channel width was 1.3m, and the average gradient was 4%. The dominant substrate was cobbles with boulders subdominant. Habitat value was rated as low value due to a lack of flow.

Stream Characteristics Upstream

The stream was surveyed upstream from the culvert in the general location of the mapped Grave Creek streamline for 725m. As Harriet Lake Creek was the primary source of flow for the area and enters the surveyed tributary 150m upstream of the crossing location, flows were very minimal and substrate was primarily fines above its confluence. There was however, a visible channel in this location with a ford (PSCIS 197563) located approximately 600m upstream fo PSCSIS 62423. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with undercut banks dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, and boulders (Table 5.20, Figure 5.19). The average channel width was 1.2m, the average wetted width was 0.8m and the average gradient was 4.4%. Harriet Lake Creek gradients modelled at 19% just upstream of the bridge located 1km upstream and too steep for upstream westslope cutthrout passage (>20%) at 2.2km. Habitat value was rated as medium for fry and juvenile westslope cutthrout rearing in Harriet Creek and low in the unnamed tributary mapped as Grave Creek due to a lack of flow.

Structure Remediation and Cost Estimate

Structure replacement with an embedded culvert is recommended to provide access to the habitat located upstream of PSCIS crossing 62423. The cost for the work is estimated at $25000 for a cost benefit of $92000/linear m and $66200/m².

Conclusion

There is 2.3km of mainstem habitat upstream of crossing 62423 with habitat in the areas surveyed upstream of the crossing rated as medium value. Although the provincial forest tenure road layer does not include Grave Creek FSR, it is likely that it is a tenure road under the responsibility of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. The crossing was ranked as a moderate priority for proceeding to design for replacement with an open bottomed structure due to the low water conditions and steep gradients upstream in Harriet Lake Creek.

Table 5.19: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 62423.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-09-20	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	62423	Diameter (m)	0.9
External ID	NA	Length (m)	12
Crew	KP, AI	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	660508	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5524239	Backwatered	No
Stream	Harriet Lake Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Grave Creek FSR	Fill Depth (m)	0.3
Road Tenure	Unknown	Outlet Drop (m)	0.18
Channel Width (m)	1.44	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	0.6
Stream Slope (%)	4	Inlet Drop	Yes
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	0.5
Habitat Value	Low	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.19: Typical habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 62423.

Figure 5.20: Typical habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 62423.

Site Location

PSCIS crossings 62425 and 62426 are located on Grave Creek, approximately 75m and 185m upstream from where Grave Creek splits into two channels with the majority of flow originating from the other channel flowing from the south. Of note, the confluence of Grave Creek and the other channel is located approximately 175 to the west of where the confluence is mapped - likely due to a channel redirection approximately 375m upstream that appears to have occurred due to a large woody debris jam. Three PSCIS crossings (62427, 62428 and 62429) and one un-assessed modelled crossing (modelled ID 4601159) are located upstream of 62426 however, there are very minimal quantities of potential habitat upstream of their locations. Although mapped within the digital road atlas it is suspected that the road on which both culverts are located is a forest tenure road (Canfor Forest Products Ltd. tenure) as it is located immediately adjacent to another forest tenure road and within an area utilized for forestry.

Background

Grave Creek is known to contain westslope cutthrout trout, rainbow trout and bull trout downstream of the subject culverts and westslope cutthrout trout above (MoE 2020b). Two habitat confirmation assessments were conducted downstream on the mainstem of Grave Creek in 2014 at PSCIS crossings 62421 and 62422 (Masse Environmental Consultants Ltd. 2015). Although Heather Lamson - MoE Fisheries Biologist recommended the culverts not be removed to prevent potential hybridization of westslope cutthrout trout with stocked rainbow trout downstream (Masse Environmental Consultants Ltd. 2015), both structures had been replaced with bridges at the time of the surveys. Designs and remediations of these crossings were not recorded in PSCIS. Reassessments of these crossings were conducted by our team in 2020 and results will be loaded to PSCIS. In the field, Lotic Environmental Ltd. field teams were observed conducting two-pass closed site electrofishing in Grave Creek as part of a westslope cutthrout trout population assessment and aquatic monitoring program. Data from the program is uploaded to the Fisheries Information Summary System annually and is made available through the BC Data Catalog (MoE 2020b, 2020d).

PSCIS stream crossings 62425 and 62426 were ranked as moderate priorities for follow up with habitat confirmation due to the relatively large size of the stream network upstream (3.5km) and because they contained habitat rated as moderate value by VAST Resource Solutions Inc. (2013). The habitat confirmation was completed on September 20, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082G.124.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

At the time of the survey, both culverts were un-embedded, non-backwatered and considered barriers to upstream fish passage. PSCIS crossing 62425 was 1.2m in diameter with a pipe length of 12m, a culvert slope of 7.5%, a stream width ratio of 3.1 and an outlet drop of 0.47m (Table 5.21). PSCIS crossing 62426 was 1.2m in diameter with a pipe length of 12m, a culvert slope of 5%, a stream width ratio of 2.9 and an outlet drop of 0.25m (Table 5.22). Water temperature was 8\(^\circ\)C, pH was 7.8 and conductivity was 370uS/cm.

Stream Characteristics Downstream of 62425

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 75m to where the stream joins the flow entering the valley from the south. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with deep pools dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, boulders, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.23, Figure 5.21). The average channel width was 3.7m, the average wetted width was 1.8m and the average gradient was 7.5%. The dominant substrate was cobbles with boulders subdominant. Downstream of the crossing there were frequent sections of gravels suitable for salmonid spawning and no barriers or obstacles to fish passage. Habitat was rated as high value for fry/juvenile salmonid rearing.

Stream Characteristics Upstream of 62425 and Downstream of 62426

The stream was surveyed upstream from 62425 for 170m to 62426. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with deep pools dominant. Cover was also present as large woody debris and boulders (Table 5.23, Figure 5.22). The average channel width was 3.5m, the average wetted width was 2.1m and the average gradient was 5%. There were abundant gravels suitable for resident westslope cutthrout trout spawning throughout (Figure 5.23). Some debris jam steps to 0.8m in height were observed and there were approximately 15 westslope cutthrout trout (approximately 170mm long) in the outlet pool for crossing 62426. Habitat value was rated as high for fry/juvenile salmonid rearing.

Stream Characteristics Upstream of 62426

The stream was surveyed upstream from 62426 for 650m. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with deep pools dominant. Cover was also present as boulders (Table 5.23, Figure 5.22). The average channel width was 3.5m, the average wetted width was 1.6m and the average gradient was 11.9%. This stream channel showed evidence of recent disturbance with eroding banks, multiple channels and aggraded sections throughout. Steps (0.6 - 0.9m in height) due to large woody debris debris jams were frequent throughout surveyed area and at a point approximately 200 m upstream of the road-stream crossing to the top end of the area surveyed, cover was limited to sporadic pools up to 0.3m deep. As mentioned previously, the historic channel was abandoned at 175m upstream of 62426 (UTM: 11 U 661748 5524558, Figure 5.23) with no flow observed within its banks. One of the tributaries that enters Grave Creek approximately 250m upstream of 62426 was accessed off of an adjacent spur road with a raped assessment conducted 250m upstream from the confluence with Grave Creek (UTM: 11U 662083 5524708). The average channel width at this location was 1.9m and the average gradient was 9%. Immediately upstream, the gradient in this tributary was 20% representing grades not likely passable for westslope cutthrout trout migrting upstream. Overall, habitat value upstream of 62426 within the mainstem of Grave Creek was rated as medium with moderate rearing potential for fry/juvenile westslope cutthrout trout.

Structure Remediation and Cost Estimate

Replacing PSCIS crossings 62425 and 62426 with bridges is recommended to provide access to the habitat located upstream. The costs are estimated at $125000 and $125000 respectively for a combined cost benefit of $15800/linear m and $27700/m².

Conclusion

There is 0.2km of habitat upstream of crossing 62425 with habitat rated as high value for fry and juvenile salmonid rearing and another 1.8km upstream of 62426 rated as medium value. Although mapped only within the digital road atlas, it is suspected that the road on which both culverts are located is a forest tenure road (Canfor Forest Products Ltd. permit) as it is located immediately adjacent to another forest tenure road under permit to Canfor and within an area utilized for forestry. The crossings were ranked as moderate priorities for proceeding to design for replacement.

Table 5.21: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 62425.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-09-20	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	62425	Diameter (m)	1.2
External ID	NA	Length (m)	12
Crew	KP, AI	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	661486	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5524426	Backwatered	No
Stream	Grave Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Spur	Fill Depth (m)	1
Road Tenure	Canfor R08362	Outlet Drop (m)	0.47
Channel Width (m)	3.7	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	0.38
Stream Slope (%)	7.5	Inlet Drop	Yes
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	7.5
Habitat Value	Medium	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Table 5.22: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 62426.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-09-20	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	62426	Diameter (m)	1.2
External ID	NA	Length (m)	12
Crew	KP, AI	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	661611	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5524460	Backwatered	No
Stream	Grave Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Spur	Fill Depth (m)	1
Road Tenure	Canfor R08362	Outlet Drop (m)	0.25
Channel Width (m)	3.5	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	0.65
Stream Slope (%)	6	Inlet Drop	Yes
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	5
Habitat Value	Medium	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.21: Typical habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 62425.

Figure 5.22: Typical habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 62425 and downstream of PSCIS crossing 62426.

Figure 5.23: Grave Creek redirection out of historic channel located upstream of PSCIS crossing 62426.

Site Location

Crossing 62516 is located on a tributary to Lizard Creek, approximately 630m upstream from the confluence with Lizard Creek. This culvert has also been recorded in PSCIS as crossing 50153. The culvert is located at 2.5km on Island Lake Lodge Road which is an extension of Mt.Fernie Park Road accessed from Highway 3 within Fernie city limits. The Mt.Fernie Provincial Park is a popular recreational destination for hikers, sightseers and mountain bikers. Island Lake Lodge is located at 1400m of elevation near Island Lake and is a year round tourist destination providing accommodations, guided hiking and backcountry catskiing. The stream has been diverted from its historic channel and runs adjacent to a historic road to Lizard Creek approximately 500 downstream of the location of the confluence in the freshwater atlas.

Background

At the crossing location, the stream had good flow and is located within an area of old growth cedar adjacent to a recreation trail. At the time of the survey the stream was the highest volume tributary to Lizard Creek located on the east side of the valley. No fisheries information was available for the stream (MoE 2020d). Downstream however, Lizard Creek supports westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout, longnose sucker and longnose dace (MoE 2020b). Elk River Alliance (2020b) conducted redd surveys in Lizard Creek in 2019 with a total of 55 redds observed within a 2.4km of stream surveyed comprising the largest densities of redds of the four tributaries surveyed (22.9 redds/km).

PSCIS stream crossing 62516 was ranked as a high priority for follow up with habitat confirmation due to the relatively large size of the stream recorded in PSCIS (channel width = 3.5m) relative to other tributary streams in the Lizard Creek watershed and because it was rated as containing high value habitat by VAST Resource Solutions Inc. (2013) and Grainger (2011). There is a bridge (PSCIS 197566) located on the Lazy Lizard recreation trail approximatley 350m upstream of the crossing and an unassessed modelled crossing (modelled ID 4600929) approximately 950m upstream. Downstream approximately 400m there is a foot bridge (PSCIS 197544) on a recreational hiking/biking trail. The habitat confirmation was completed on September 23, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082G.113.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

Th culvert located at PSCIS 62516 appeared to have been replaced in 2020 with fresh rock and road fill present. At the time of the survey, the un-embedded and non-backwatered 1.2m diameter crossing was considered a barrier to upstream fish passage with a pipe length of 11m, a culvert slope of 5%, a stream width ratio of 2.1 and an outlet drop of 0.49m (Table 5.24). Water temperature was 9\(^\circ\)C, pH was 7.9 and conductivity was 333uS/cm.

Stream Characteristics Downstream

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 630m to Lizard Creek. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with deep pools dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.25, Figure 5.24). The average channel width was 2.5m, the average wetted width was 1.4m and the average gradient was 2.7%. The dominant substrate was gravels with cobbles subdominant. Adjacent to the historic road, on the right bank of stream, there was very limited shrub and tree riparian vegetation. Downstream of the crossing there were frequent sections of gravels suitable for salmonid spawning and no barriers or obstacles to fish passage. Habitat was rated as high value for fry/juvenile salmonid rearing.

Stream Characteristics Upstream

The stream was surveyed upstream from the culvert for 730m. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with undercut banks dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, deep pools, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.25, Figure 5.24). The average channel width was 2m, the average wetted width was 1.3m and the average gradient was 7.6%. There were abundant gravels suitable for resident westslope cutthrout trout spawning throughout (Figure 5.24). Fry were observed within the area surveyed to 540m upstream of the culvert where gradients increased to >20% for a distance of approximately 15m. Although no sampling was conducted, no fish were observed above this high gradient section. Habitat value was rated as high for fry/juvenile salmonid rearing.

Structure Remediation and Cost Estimate

Structure replacement with an open bottomed structure is recommended to provide access to the habitat located upstream of PSCIS crossing 62516. The cost of the work is estimated at $125000 for a cost benefit of $4300/linear m and $5300/m².

Conclusion

There is 0.5km of mainstem habitat upstream of crossing 62516 with habitat rated as high value for fry and juvenile salmonid rearing. The road may be part of the Island Lake Recreational tenure or solely the responsiblity of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development. The crossing was ranked as a moderate priority for proceeding to design for replacement.

Table 5.24: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 62516.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-09-23	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	62516	Diameter (m)	1.2
External ID	NA	Length (m)	11
Crew	KP, AI	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	636123	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5484087	Backwatered	No
Stream	Tributary to Lizard Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Island Lake Lodge Road	Fill Depth (m)	1.3
Road Tenure	MoTi recreation	Outlet Drop (m)	0.49
Channel Width (m)	2.47	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	0.8
Stream Slope (%)	2.67	Inlet Drop	No
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	5
Habitat Value	Medium	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.24: Typical habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 62516.

Figure 5.25: Typical habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 62516.

Figure 5.26: Gravels suitable for spawning upstream of PSCIS crossing 62516.

Site Location

PSCIS crossings 197533 and 197559 are located north of Sparwood, BC on Brule Creek, approximately 600m and 725m upstream from the Elk River. During 2020 surveys, two fords (PSCIS 197535 and 197536) were documented 700m and 2km upstream of crossing 197559 respectively. Although several un-assessed crossings are modelled upstream of PSCIS 197536 (ford), review of aerial imagery indicates that the sole crossing upstream on the mainstem of Brule Creek is a bridge (modelled crossing 24706664) and the remaining upstream crossings are on small and/or very steep tributaries and unlikely to be blocking access to significant amounts of important habitat. Both Busato Road and Highway 43 are the responsibility of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Background

At the crossing locations, Brule Creek is a 5th order stream with a watershed area upstream of the highway of approximately 87km². The elevation of the watershed ranges from a maximum of 2800 to 1200m at PSCIS crossing 197533. Brule Creek is known to contain westslope cutthrout trout, rainbow trout and bull trout downstream of the subject culverts and westslope cutthrout trout and rainbow trout above (MoE 2020b). On the south side of the upper watershed, at an elevation of 2000m, is the 5ha Josephine Lake (also known as Big Lake). The lake was stocked with westslope cutthrout trout from 1983 - 2000 (MoE 2020b; “Fish Inventories Data Queries” 2020).

PSCIS stream crossings 197533 and 197559 were ranked as high priorities for follow up with fish passage assessments and habitat confirmations due to the large size of the stream network upstream (37km) of the highway and because Brule Creek is a 5th order stream. The habitat confirmation was completed on September 17, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082G.123.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

At the time of the survey, both culverts were un-embedded, non-backwatered and considered barriers to upstream fish passage. PSCIS crossing 197533 was 3.3m in diameter with a pipe length of 20m, a culvert slope of 4%, a stream width ratio of 2.2 and an outlet drop of 0.7m (Table 5.26). PSCIS crossing 197559 was 2.5m in diameter with a pipe length of 35m, a culvert slope of 2.5%, a stream width ratio of 2.4 and an outlet drop of 0m (Table 5.27). Water temperature was 6\(^\circ\)C, pH was 7.5 and conductivity was 337uS/cm.

Stream Characteristics Downstream of 197533

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 400m. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with small woody debris dominant. Cover was also present as large woody debris and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.28, Figure 5.27). The average channel width was 7.4m, the average wetted width was 4.1m and the average gradient was 1.9%. The dominant substrate was cobbles with boulders subdominant. In the area surveyed, the stream channel appeared to be anthropogenically channelized and straightened with influence of adjacent livestock grazing/access negatively impacting stream banks due to loss of riparian vegetation and erosion. Habitat was rated as medium as it was considered an important migration corridor with moderate value habitat for fry/juvenile salmonid rearing.

Stream Characteristics Upstream of 197533 and Downstream of 197559

The stream was surveyed upstream from 197533 for 125m to 197559. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with dominant. Cover was also present as (Table 5.28, Figure 5.28). The average channel width was 5.5m, the average wetted width was 3.8m and the average gradient was 1.5%. There was a large pool at the outlet of crossing 197559 containing approximately nine westslope cutthrout trout with lengths of five of the fish estimated at 200mm and four at 300mm (Figure 5.29). The outlet pool was depth was >1m with gravels suitable for spawning at the tailout. Habitat value was rated as high for resident and fluvial salmonid rearing and spawning.

Stream Characteristics Upstream of 197559

The stream was surveyed immediately upstream from 197559 for 1200m and then another 600m beginning at the ford (PSCIS 197536) 2km upstream for a total of 1600m. The channel was dewatered immediately upstream of Highway 43 with intermittent pools only to a distance approximately 670 m upstream. Upstream of the dewatered area, stream flows increased with increasing upstream distance. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with deep pools dominant. Cover was also present as boulders and undercut banks (Table 5.28, Figure 5.28). The average channel width was 5.5m, the average wetted width was 2.3m and the average gradient was 3.5%. Overall, habitat upstream of 197559 was rated as high value habitat present suitable for resident and fluvial salmonid rearing and spawning.

Fish Sampling

To assess potential impacts of the culvert on fisheries values in the stream, electrofishing was conducted upstream of the crossing. Sampling was not conducted downstream of crossing 197559 as bull trout presence was suspected and it was determined that spawners and/or eggs may have been present. One site was sampled upstream with no fish captured (Figure 5.15). Raw results are included in digital format as Attachment 2 and summarized in Table 5.29.

Structure Remediation and Cost Estimate

As properties on Busato Road could be accessed from either side of the road, removal of PSCIS 197533 could be explored as an option for providing access to the 125m of habitat located upstream and below PSCIS 197533. However, to facilitate an estimate of “worst case scenario”, costs for replacement of both crossing 197533 and 197533 with bridges are estimated at $710000 and $3050000 respectively. The combined cost benefit of replacements are estimated at $7700/linear m and $23600/m².

Conclusion

There is 0.1km of habitat upstream of crossing 197559 and another 23km upstream of 197559 rated as high value for resident and fluvial salmonid rearing/spawning. The lack of fish captured upstream of the crossing is not an indication of a lack of fish presence but may be indicative of low population densities and/or restricted access due to downstream culverts and dewatering. Although an interim ranking for remediation at the crossings was assessed as high priority to proceeding to designs for both crossings, follow up to determine the extent of dewatering during higher flow periods is recommended. Although unconfirmed at the time of reporting, the 670m section of stream located immediately upstream of Highway 43 that was flowing subsurface at the time of the survey, very likely flows above ground during high and peak flows when adult westslope cutthrout trout display a general pattern of upstream movement to spawning areas (Schweigert et al. 2017).

Table 5.26: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 197533.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-09-17	Crossing Sub Type	Oval Culvert
PSCIS ID	197533	Diameter (m)	3.3
External ID	NA	Length (m)	20
Crew	AI, KP	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	651626	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5528888	Backwatered	No
Stream	Brule Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Busato Rd	Fill Depth (m)	1
Road Tenure	MoTi local	Outlet Drop (m)	0.7
Channel Width (m)	7.1	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	1.5
Stream Slope (%)	2	Inlet Drop	Yes
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	4
Habitat Value	High	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Table 5.27: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 197559.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-09-17	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	197559	Diameter (m)	2.5
External ID	NA	Length (m)	35
Crew	KP, AI	Embedded	Yes
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	0.05
Easting	651516	Resemble Channel	Yes
Northing	5528829	Backwatered	No
Stream	Brule Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Highway 43	Fill Depth (m)	3
Road Tenure	MoTi highway	Outlet Drop (m)	0
Channel Width (m)	6.1	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	1.7
Stream Slope (%)	1.5	Inlet Drop	No
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	2.5
Habitat Value	Medium	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.27: Typical habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 197533.

Figure 5.28: Typical habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 197533 and downstream of PSCIS crossing 197533.

Figure 5.29: Westlope cutthrout trout in outlet pool downstream of PSCIS crossing 197559.

Figure 5.30: Subsurface flow area upstream of PSCIS crossing 197559.

Figure 5.31: Typical habitat above dewatered area upstream of PSCIS crossing 197533.

Figure 5.32: Habitat within electrofishing site upstream of PSCIS crossing 197533.

Site Location

Crossing 197534 is located on a Weigart Creek, approximately 675m upstream from the confluence with the Elk River. The crossing is located on Highway 43 approximately 20km north of Sparwood. Elk Valley Park recreation site is located downstream of the crossing adjacent to the right bank of the river and the watershed upstream of the crossing is a habitat protection area with motor vehicle restrictions.

Background

At the crossing location, the stream is fourth order with a watershed area upstream of the road of approximately 43.3 km² situated between Phillips Peak and Mount VanBuskirk. The elevation of the watershed ranges from a maximum of 2950 to 1250m at the culvert. Although, there are several modelled crossings on the mainstem of Hartley Creek upstream of the crossing, 2020 surveys indicated they were either fords or bridges. Modelled crossing 4606006 is a ford located approximately 1.2km upstream of the highway. There are several additional crossings modelled further upstream on the mainstem, however it is suspected that these crossings have been removed to facilitate the motor vehicle restrictions in place in the watershed. Westslope cutthroat trout have been recorded in Weigart Creek downstream of PCSIS 197534. Although there area multiple upstream survey sites recorded within provincial databases there have been no fish recorded upstream (MoE 2020d, 2020b).

PSCIS stream crossing 197534 was ranked as a high priority for follow up with habitat confirmation due to the large amount of potential habitat modelled upstream (20km). The habitat confirmation was completed on September 17, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082G.123.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

At the time of the survey, the un-embedded and non-backwatered 3.2m diameter crossing was considered a barrier to upstream fish passage with a pipe length of 18m, a culvert slope of 3.4%, a stream width ratio of 1.3 and an outlet drop of 0.15m (Table 5.30). Water temperature was 3\(^\circ\)C, pH was 8.5 and conductivity was 422uS/cm.

Stream Characteristics Downstream

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 675m. Overall total cover amount was rated as moderate with undercut banks dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, boulders, deep pools, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.31, Figure 5.33). The average channel width was 4.7m, the average wetted width was 3.6m and the average gradient was 3.7%. The dominant substrate was cobbles with gravels subdominant. Pools were present to 0.8m deep and gravels/cobbles suitable for resident and fluvial spawning were present. A ford crosses the stream at the Fortis gasline located approximately 115m downstream of the highway. Overall, habitat was rated as medium value providing an important migration corridor and habitat suitable for resident and fluvial salmonid rearing and spawning.

Stream Characteristics Upstream

The stream was surveyed immediately upstream from the culvert for 675m. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with undercut banks dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, boulders, deep pools, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.31, Figure 5.34). The average channel width was 6.6m, the average wetted width was 4.6m and the average gradient was 4.5%. The dominant substrate was cobbles with boulders subdominant. Habitat became increasingly complex with increased distance upstream. Throughout the area surveyed there were occasional pools available with depths suitable for juvenile/adult salmonid overwintering and rearing and frequent sections of gravels available for resident and fluvial salmonid spawning. Overall, habitat was rated as medium value.

Structure Remediation and Cost Estimate

Structure replacement with an open bottomed structure is recommended to provide access to the habitat located upstream of PSCIS crossing 197534. The cost of the work is estimated at $2500000 for a cost benefit of $4600/linear m and $10000/m².

Conclusion

There is an estimated 11.6km of mainstem Weigert Creek habitat available upstream of PSCIS 197534 with habitat rated as high value, representing an important migration corridor with high rearing and spawning potential for resident and fluvial salmonids. Highway 43 is the responsibility of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. The crossing was ranked as a high priority for proceeding to design for replacement with an open bottomed structure.

Table 5.30: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 197534.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-09-17	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	197534	Diameter (m)	3.2
External ID	NA	Length (m)	18
Crew	AI, KP	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	650144	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5532055	Backwatered	No
Stream	Weigart Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Highway 43	Fill Depth (m)	1.3
Road Tenure	MoTi highway	Outlet Drop (m)	0.15
Channel Width (m)	4.3	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	0.6
Stream Slope (%)	2	Inlet Drop	Yes
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	3.4
Habitat Value	High	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.33: Habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 197534.

Figure 5.34: Habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 197534.

Site Location

Crossing 197542 is located on a Hartley Creek, approximately 400m upstream from the confluence with the Elk River. The crossing is located on Dicken Road just north of Fernie. Dicken Road is a paved Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure collector road accessing semi-rural residential and recreational areas.

Background

At the crossing location, the stream is fourth order with a watershed area upstream of the road of approximately 17.1 km². The elevation of the watershed ranges from a maximum of 2350 to 1030m at the culvert. The system is headed by the 1.6ha Hartley Lake. Although, there are several modelled crossings on the mainstem of Hartley Creek upstream of the crossing, 2020 surveys indicated they were either not present (4603296, 24732660) or bridges (4606518). PSCIS crossing 197582 is an open bottomed structure located under Highway 3 approximately 400m downstream of Dicken Road and was considered passable.

During surveys, we spoke with the owner of lands adjacent to crossing 197542 and they noted that the properties both upstream and downstream of the crossing were located within an area used historically as a log sort and that Hartley Creek was used to transport logs at that time. The landowner also reported that within the last ten years there was a dam failure upstream near Hartley Lake that resulted in significant debris flows throughout the lower reaches of the stream. Aggradation of the channel adjacent to this crossing, reported by Robinson (2008) as likely a result of a low width/depth ratio and unstable banks, has been an ongoing issue requiring repeated dredging to reduce disruptions to traffic flow and high water damage to highway infrastructure. Interior Reforestation Co. Ltd. designed and installed remediation measures in 2006 and 2007 (vortex weir installation, channel armouring, rootwad installation and riparian planting) with the intent to restore the hydraulic conditions necessary to carry transported gravel further downstream and improve fish habitat immediately below the crossing (Robinson 2008). The works were not completely successful in preventing aggradation, as dredging was reported in 2019 (Marlim Ecological Consulting 2019) with only approximately 30cm of headboard observed within the highway stream crossing structure during 2020 surveys.

Westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout and brook trout have been recorded in Hartley Creek upstream of PCSIS 197542 with westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout and mountain whitefish recorded below (MoE 2020b). A radio-tagging study conducted in 2001–2002, identified Hartley Creek as a spawning location of westslope cutthrout trout captured and tagged in the Elk River (Schweigert et al. 2017). In 2012, three pass closed site electrofishing data, including individual fish collection information, sampling effort and site measurements was collected for three sites located within the first 100m upstream of Dicken Road as part of work completed by Lotic Environmental Ltd. (2012) to produce habitat suitability for westslope cutthrout trout in the Upper Elk River. Westslope cutthrout trout were captured at all sites.

PSCIS stream crossing 197542 was ranked as a high priority for follow up with habitat confirmation due to the large amount of potential habitat modelled upstream (13km) including the 1.6ha Hartley Lake. The habitat confirmation was completed on September 18, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082G.113.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

At the time of the survey, the un-embedded and non-backwatered 2.6m diameter oval crossing structure was considered a barrier to upstream fish passage with a pipe length of 20m, a culvert slope of 2%, a stream width ratio of 1.3 and an outlet drop of 0.4m (Table 5.32). Water temperature was 5\(^\circ\)C, pH was 8.6 and conductivity was 526uS/cm.

Stream Characteristics Downstream

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 940m to the confluence with the Elk River including the 500m below PSCIS crossing 197582. Within the 400m section between Dicken Road and Highway 3, total cover amount was rated as moderate with deep pools dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris and undercut banks (Table 5.33, Figure 5.35). The average channel width was 3.6m, the average wetted width was 2.8m and the average gradient was 1.7%. The dominant substrate was gravels with cobbles subdominant. Although abundant gravels suitable for spawning were present, the Hartley Creek channel appeared anthropogenically straightened in the area surveyed with a notable lack of deep pools and undercut banks. Overall, habitat was rated as medium value providing suitable habitat for resident and fluvial westlope cutthrout trout spawning.

Within the 500m below PSCIS crossing 197582, the first 175m of channel downstream of the culvert was primarily composed of an aggrading gravel channel with widths between 12-15m. Downstream of this initial section was a marsh area impounded by multiple beaver dams containing run sections to 1m deep and fine substrates. Much of the channel surveyed within the lower sections was within the Elk River floodplain. Total cover amount was rated as moderate with overhanging vegetation dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, and instream vegetation (Table 5.33, Figures 5.38 - ??). The average channel width was 8.1m, the average wetted width was 6.3m and the average gradient was 1.8%. The dominant substrate was gravels with fines subdominant. Young of the year salmonids were observed upstream of upper most beaver dam. Habitat was rated as medium representing an important migration corridor containing habitat with moderate rearing potential for resident and fluvial salmonids.

Stream Characteristics Upstream

The stream was surveyed immediately upstream from the culvert for 650m with an addition 75m section surveyed upstram approximatley 2.5km upstream. A small dam (0.3m) high is located approximately 5m upstream of Dicken Road and may present an obstruction to upstream fish passage for fry and juvenile salmonids at some flows. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, undercut banks, deep pools, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.33, Figure 5.38). The average channel width was 6.1m, the average wetted width was 3.8m and the average gradient was 3.5%. The dominant substrate was cobbles with gravels subdominant. There were frequent pools formed by small and large woody debris ranging from 0.3 - 0.7m in depth with a debris jam near top of site (11U 643668 5491243) measured at 1.2m in height. Pockets of gravels suitable for resident and fluvial salmonids were present and there were areas of erosion notable on the right bank of the stream.

Within the 75m section of stream surveyed 2.5km upstream of Dicken Road, stream conditions were similiar to those observed downstream with an average channel width of 4.6m and gravel dominated substrate (Figure 5.39). Overall, upstream of PSCIS 197542 was rated as high habitat value, containing habitat with moderate rearing and spawning potential for resident and fluvial salmonids.

Structure Remediation and Cost Estimate

Structure replacement with an open bottomed structure is recommended to provide access to the habitat located upstream of PSCIS crossing 197542. The cost of the work is estimated at $1e+06 for a cost benefit of $7200/linear m and $12600/m².

Conclusion

There is an estimated 7.2km of mainstem habitat available upstream of crossing 197542 with habitat rated as high value, representing an important migration corridor with moderate rearing and spawning potential for resident and fluvial salmonids. Dicken Road is the responsiblity of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. We recommend fish collection data from Lotic Environmental Ltd. (2012) be analyzed to calculate baseline fish densities upstream of the crossing in 2012. The crossing was ranked as a high priority for proceeding to design for replacement with an open bottomed structure. The private land adjacent to Hartley Creek in the vicinity of Dicken Road and Highway 3 may represent valuable opportunities for channel and riparian restoration activities as it is located within an area of intensive fish habitat impacts resulting from dredging to protect highway infrastructure as well as other historic land use activities (i.e. log transport and processing).

Table 5.32: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 197542.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-09-18	Crossing Sub Type	Oval Culvert
PSCIS ID	197542	Diameter (m)	2.6
External ID	NA	Length (m)	20
Crew	AI, KP	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	643534	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5490723	Backwatered	No
Stream	Hartley Creek	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Dicken Road	Fill Depth (m)	0.4
Road Tenure	MoTi collector	Outlet Drop (m)	0.4
Channel Width (m)	3.5	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	0.8
Stream Slope (%)	1	Inlet Drop	No
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	2
Habitat Value	High	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.35: Typical habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 197542.

Figure 5.36: Typical habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 197582.

Figure 5.37: PSCIS crossing 197582.

Figure 5.38: Typical habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 197542.

Figure 5.39: Habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 197542 approximatley 2.5km.

Site Location

Crossing 197555 is located on a tributary to Elk River, approximately 900m upstream from the confluence with the Elk River. The crossing is located on the Elk River FSR approximately 10km north of Elkford, BC. The Elk River FSR is a gravel forest tenure road (forest file id 0103) with active log hauling at the time of the survey.

Background

At the crossing location, the stream is 4th order with a watershed area upstream of the road of approximately 17km². The elevation of the watershed ranges from a maximum of 2900 to 1400m at the culvert. Upstream of the crossing, there are no anthropogenic barriers on the mainstem. Although there are two modelled crossings on small tributaries that enter the stream approximately 1.5km upstream of the road, machinery operators encountered onsite indicated that they had been removed during road deactivation. No fisheries information was available for the stream (MoE 2020d) however westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout, longnose sucker and longnose dace (among other species) have been recorded downstream in the Elk River (MoE 2020b).

PSCIS stream crossing 197555 was ranked as a high priority for follow up with habitat confirmation due to the large amount of habitat modelled upstream of the crossing. The habitat confirmation was completed on September 16, 2020. A map of the watershed including areas surveyed is provided in Attachment 1 – Map 082J.103.

Stream Characteristics at Crossing

At the time of the survey, the un-embedded and non-backwatered 1.5m diameter crossing was considered a barrier to upstream fish passage with a pipe length of 49m, a culvert slope of 3.5%, a stream width ratio of 2.3 and an outlet drop of 1.48m (Table 5.34). Water temperature was 6\(^\circ\)C, pH was 7.2 and conductivity was 378uS/cm.

Stream Characteristics Downstream

The stream was surveyed downstream from the culvert for 700m. Overall, total cover amount was rated as moderate with deep pools dominant. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, boulders, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.35, Figure 5.40). The average channel width was 4.4m, the average wetted width was 3.1m and the average gradient was 3.6%. The dominant substrate was cobbles with gravels subdominant . There were frequent pools formed by small and large woody debris ranging from 0.3 - 0.75m in depth (average residual depth = 0.4m). Frequent pockets of gravels suitably sized for resident and fluvial salmonid spawning were also present. Habitat value was rated as high with good potential for fry/juvenile salmonid rearing.

Stream Characteristics Upstream

The stream was surveyed upstream from the culvert for 675m. Overall, total cover amount was rated as abundant with boulders as the dominant type. Cover was also present as small woody debris, large woody debris, undercut banks, deep pools, and overhanging vegetation (Table 5.35, Figure 5.41). The average channel width was 5.9m, the average wetted width was 3.8m and the average gradient was 5.9%. The dominant substrate was cobbles with boulders subdominant. The stream had good flows, pools to 0.6m deep (average residual depth = 0.4m) were present and pockets of gravel suitable for spawning were observed throughout. Infrequent large woody debris jams to 0.5m high were also noted. Habitat value was rated as high for fry and juvenile westslope cutthrout trout and bull trout rearing.

Fish Sampling

To assess potential impacts of the culvert on fish communities in the stream, electrofishing was conducted upstream and downstream of the crossing. One 150m site was sampled upstream and one 315m site was sampled downstream. One bull trout was captured downstream and no fish were captured upstream (Figure 5.42). Raw results are included in digital format as Attachment 2 and summarized in Table 5.36.

Structure Remediation and Cost Estimate

Structure replacement with an open bottomed culvert is recommended to provide access to the habitat located upstream of PSCIS crossing 197555. Due to the large amount of fill on the road (8) the size of a replacement bridge was estimated at 25m. The cost for work is estimated at $312000 for a cost benefit of $19200/linear m and $33700/m².

Conclusion

There is an estimated 6km of mainstem habitat upstream of crossing 197555 with habitat in the areas surveyed upstream of the crossing rated as high value for fry and juvenile salmonid rearing. However, fish sampling results indicate that westslope cutthrout trout are not currently utilizing the stream and densities of bull trout are very low. This could be the result of the cold water conditions due to the positioning of the watershed at high elevation in the generally cold Rocky Mountain setting. Elk River FSR is a forest tenure liscensee road of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development. The crossing was ranked as a moderate priority for proceeding to design for replacement with an open bottomed structure.

Table 5.34: Summary of fish passage reassessment for PSCIS crossing 197555.

Location and Stream Data		Crossing Characteristics	–
Date	2020-09-16	Crossing Sub Type	Round Culvert
PSCIS ID	197555	Diameter (m)	1.5
External ID	NA	Length (m)	49
Crew	KP, AI	Embedded	No
UTM Zone	11	Depth Embedded (m)	NA
Easting	646735	Resemble Channel	No
Northing	5554534	Backwatered	No
Stream	Tributary to Elk River	Percent Backwatered	NA
Road	Elk River FSR	Fill Depth (m)	8
Road Tenure	FLNR 0103	Outlet Drop (m)	1.48
Channel Width (m)	3.5	Outlet Pool Depth (m)	1.3
Stream Slope (%)	1.5	Inlet Drop	Yes
Beaver Activity	No	Slope (%)	3.5
Habitat Value	High	Valley Fill	Deep Fill
Photos:

Figure 5.40: Typical habitat downstream of PSCIS crossing 197555.

Figure 5.41: Typical habitat upstream of PSCIS crossing 197555.

Figure 5.42: Bull trout captured downstream of PSCIS crossing 197555.